🛕 Rath Yatra: Full Details on Date, Rituals, Route & Significance

The Rath Yatra 2025 or Chariot Festival is one of the most celebrated and iconic Hindu festivals in India, especially in Puri, Odisha. Every year, millions of devotees gather to witness this grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra riding majestic chariots. As the divine siblings journey to their aunt’s temple, the atmosphere in Puri transforms into a spiritual carnival.

Here’s everything you need to know about Rath Yatra 2025 — including date, history, significance, rituals, and travel tips.

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📅 Rath Yatra 2025 Date and Timings

• Rath Yatra 2025 Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025

• Start Time (Pahandi Ritual Begins): Morning (around 8:00 AM)

• Chariot Pulling (Bahuda Yatra): Follows on Monday, July 7, 2025

Note: Dates may vary slightly based on the regional and lunar calendar.

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🛕 What is Rath Yatra?

Rath Yatra refers to the annual ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishnu/Krishna), along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is considered their maternal aunt’s home.

The idols are taken in giant wooden chariots, specially built each year, and pulled by thousands of devotees in a massive procession covering approximately 3 kilometers.

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📍 Where is Rath Yatra Celebrated?

While the Puri Rath Yatra in Odisha is the most famous, the festival is celebrated in many other cities too:

• Ahmedabad (Gujarat)

• Kolkata (West Bengal)

• Mumbai (Maharashtra)

• Delhi and NCR

• Internationally in London, New York, and Sydney by ISKCON

However, Puri remains the epicenter of the Rath Yatra, attracting over 1 million pilgrims annually.

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🧱 Rituals and Schedule of Rath Yatra

🔸 Snana Purnima

A ceremonial bath of the deities, held days before the Rath Yatra.

🔸 Anasara Period

After the bath, the deities “fall ill” and are kept in isolation for 15 days.

🔸 Pahandi Bije

The deities are carried from the sanctum to their respective chariots with rhythmic chanting and drumbeats.

🔸 Chhera Pahanra

The King of Puri, known as the Gajapati Maharaja, sweeps the chariots, symbolizing humility and equality.

🔸 Chariot Pulling

Devotees pull the three massive chariots to the Gundicha Temple. It is considered highly auspicious and spiritually rewarding.

🔸 Stay at Gundicha Temple

The deities stay there for 7 days.

🔸 Bahuda Yatra

Return journey back to the Jagannath Temple.

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🛺 The Chariots of Rath Yatra 2025

Each chariot is handcrafted using neem wood and decorated with traditional artwork, flags, and canopies.

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🌟 Significance of Rath Yatra

• Symbol of Equality: The Lord comes out of the temple to bless all, including those who cannot enter the temple (non-Hindus are not allowed in Jagannath Temple).

• Devotional Experience: Pulling the chariot is considered an act of supreme devotion and liberation (moksha).

• Mythological Connection: Represents Lord Krishna’s journey with his siblings during his time in Vrindavan.

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📸 Festival Highlights

• Massive crowds chanting “Jai Jagannath”

• Devotional songs, drums, and conch shells

• Volunteers offering food and water to devotees

• High-level security and drone surveillance

• Global live telecast by major TV channels

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🧳 Travel Tips for Devotees

• Book accommodations in Puri well in advance — hotels fill quickly.

• Wear comfortable clothes and carry water.

• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.

• Follow COVID or safety guidelines if applicable.

• Use official transport and avoid overcrowded private vehicles.

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🙏 Do You Know?

• The wooden idols are replaced every 12–19 years in a sacred ceremony called Nabakalebara.

• No one is allowed to touch the deities except designated servitors (Sevayats).

• The chariots are rebuilt every year, symbolizing rebirth and impermanence.

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🧘 Final Thoughts

The Rath Yatra 2025 is more than a festival — it’s a powerful blend of faith, culture, tradition, and community. Whether you’re watching from afar or joining the divine procession in Puri, this is one event that truly captures the spiritual soul of India.

Jai Jagannath! 🙏